I have been thinking about Author Pictures lately. I know very well what I have on my Social Media accounts right now isn’t a great thing to do. One of the main reasons for these overexposed profile pictures is the fact that I don’t like it to be on pictures. And from what I heard this can be seen in the picture.

No matter how often I’m told the pictures look great, and I’m supposed to be pretty, I don’t believe it. This does, in fact, have a psychological root which was planted in my childhood, but I think this is another subject and doesn’t belong here.

Now, since one day I will undoubtedly be published I will sooner or later have to think about my author picture, and that’s why I went for another round of research.

One of the first interesting and informative articles I found on Huffington Post where Heather Hummel talks about the relevance of a professional author photo. She not only talks about the quality of the picture but also shows certain problems that can come up and presents the respective solutions. For example, does she mention the expression on the picture, the quality, the background and presents some final thoughts. (Read the entire article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/heather-hummel/the-relevance-of-a-profes_b_4498575.html)

By going on with my research, I found “The Review Review.” Written by Randy Susan Meyers the article “Look Great In Your Author Photo” gives you tips and tricks on colors, clothes, and makeup and also describes what you can do to hide certain flaws and how to choose your photographer. I thought it is a great helpful post who I would recommend reading when someone needs a (new) author photo. (To read the post click here: http://www.thereviewreview.net/publishing-tips/look-great-your-author-photo)

On the Author Media website, I found a fantastic post, written by author Thomas Umstattd. He clearly states that his article is not for the author, but for the photographer! And I think he did an amazing job. Even though being an author I learned a lot by reading his article, and I might even be able to show it to my future photographer if necessary, to show him what I need the picture for. The article is enormously useful to us ‘clients’ too! (It can be read here: http://www.authormedia.com/how-to-take-portraits-for-an-author-website/)

The last impressive article I found on “Book In A Box,” written by Tucker Max, Chairman & Co-Founder at Book In A Box. He shows what’s good and what’s bad and not just said, some pics are good or bad but also explains the reason in clear, simple words. He provides us with different examples and gives us great advice on what not to do and what he would recommend getting a great picture. I decided to provide you here with a small part of his article:

The Author Photo Rule That Rules Them All

Here’s the thing that makes author photos so hard to give advice about: There is not one “right” way to do it. Like I talked about above, the “right” way all depends on what you’re trying to achieve. But there is one overarching rule that you need to sear into your brain when it comes to author photos (or any profile photo):

Know what you want to say to what audience, and make sure you signal it properly.

This is the key to everything. The author photo for a CEO of a Fortune 500 company should be totally different from the author photo for an up-and-coming comedian. Why? Because they are signaling different things to different groups.
Generally speaking, the CEO’s author photo should signal professionalism, effectiveness, reliability, and trust. The comedian’s photo could be wacky, pensive, goofy or even serious, all depending on his comedic style and what he wanted to signal.

I have to say I learned a lot by reading these four articles, and I’m sure I’ll find a great photographer who helps me. But then, maybe I’ll just hide under a stone and rather provide the world with my stories than my face.

When I decided to step out into the world of social media I did research. I, as well got tips and tricks, checklists as also read as many “user manuals for beginners” as I could before even getting anything done.

In March I started “Writer’s Treasure Chest”. Since then I try to write, research and build as well as find as many helpful blog posts and articles for new authors as I can to share them. I grow with every step I take. This is a once in a lifetime experience and I try to consciously enjoy every single part of the journey. I am discovering a new world, the writer’s world.

As so many other newcomers I had not considered the social media work, marketing, sales-preparation and networking hiding behind being a writer. Being a published author will not take the pressure from me to spread word about my work as far and wide as possible. This will need time and great efforts and that’s why I need to spread my wings and fly.

It is difficult sometimes to read a list of recommendations, ask another expert or experienced author for more advice and then listen to exactly the opposite. Plus getting a 30 minute speech on why my “How to…”-list will never work.

At this moment I work on my personal website. It does have its own domain and is a big piece of work. I want this website to turn out perfect. It will need a little more time and “juggling” with the elements, but I’m sure I’ll be there soon. It needs some fantasy to create a Website before being published. So many authors do have their books on the “My work” page. But I guess I did well considering the circumstances. I’ll let you all judge in due time.

September 19, 2015 I finally created my Facebook Author page. Of course I used a list with advice. In case you decide to check out the page and give it a “like” I will be grateful. And of course I welcome any advice for changes you might have.

As for now, I took in another challenge: My first Newsletter! I’m excited to announce I will send it out Mid-October. Of course I would love to send it out to as many people as possible. If you’d like to receive my newsletter, I’d be delighted to see you subscribing to my email list:

Please, click the icon to subscribe.

I’d love to hear you felt the need to check out if I followed my own researches and did an acceptable “newcomer” newsletter.